Where Can I Find Affordable Bulk Chemicals for Scientific Research?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around sourcing affordable bulk chemicals, specifically calcium carbide, for scientific research. Participants explore various suppliers, shipping costs, and safety considerations associated with the chemical.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks information on where to buy a pound of calcium carbide at a lower price, suggesting that hobbyist markets may have inflated prices.
  • Another participant notes that calcium carbide is classified as a hazardous material, which incurs additional shipping fees.
  • A participant shares a link to a supplier offering 500g of calcium carbide for $8, questioning the shipping costs.
  • There is a discussion about the current alternatives to carbide lamps for cavers, with one participant suggesting batteries as a safer option.
  • Some participants clarify the differences between calcium carbide and calcium chloride, emphasizing their distinct chemical properties and uses.
  • One participant mentions a specific supplier that offers calcium carbide at $12.50 per pound, including shipping, and discusses the impact of shipping methods on costs.
  • A participant shares their experience with high shipping costs for a small quantity of gallium, highlighting the variability in shipping expenses for chemicals.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on the safety and handling of calcium carbide, as well as the best sources for purchasing it. There is no consensus on the most affordable or safest supplier, and discussions about shipping costs and chemical properties remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the hazardous nature of calcium carbide and its shipping implications, but there are differing views on its safety when handled properly. The discussion also touches on the confusion between calcium carbide and calcium chloride, indicating a need for clarity in chemical terminology.

kronchev
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By "bulk chemical" i mean I need a pound of calcium carbide. anyone know where to get it? If i get it under its laymans headng, as in the stuff used for hobbying, its kind of expensive, esp for a large quantity. I assume this is markup.

Thanks.
 
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Calcium Carbide is a Hazardous material, so anywhere you're going to be buying it from is going to have a $60 dollar fee just for shipping.
 
Beren said:
Calcium Carbide is a Hazardous material, so anywhere you're going to be buying it from is going to have a $60 dollar fee just for shipping.

actually i just found a place that ships 500g (plenty) for $8, not sure on shipping, but I am sure its not that much. after all, the substance isn't dangerous by itself and only really reactive with water
 
By the way

I read recently that carbide lamps are no longer sold in the United States. What do cavers use these days?
 
Janitor said:
I read recently that carbide lamps are no longer sold in the United States. What do cavers use these days?

batteries. use no oxygen, cheap to replace, last longer, and much less accidents.
 
CaCl2 isn't dangerous, it forms a hydrate with water. That's what damp-rid is, CaCl2. I wouldn't eat it though.
 
thunderfvck said:
CaCl2 isn't dangerous, it forms a hydrate with water. That's what damp-rid is, CaCl2. I wouldn't eat it though.

Yes it isn't dangerous, however it produces Acetelyne gas which is extremely flammable. They use it in blowtorches afterall.
 
chloride
carbide
what's the dern difference anyway?
 
  • #10
Calcium Carbide = CaC_2

Calcium Chloride = CaCl_2

Huge difference ! The former reacts with water to make ethylene. The latter is used as a dessicant, to keep things safe from moisture.
 
  • #11
Why oh why did I mention calcium chloride?
 
  • #12
Try www.calcium-carbide.com. They sell a pound (450g) for $12.50, and this includes S&H.

If you need a lot more,

VWR sells 80% CaC2 @ $22.40 per 1000g tin and $86.70 for a 5-pack. This does not include S&H.

PS : Shipping is cheap if you don't mind waiting a few days, ie. ship by truck.
However, if you need next day delivery, then shipping will increase ten-fold because of new regulations on air-cargo handling.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
I recently paid over a hundred bucks for shipping a tiny 50cc bottle of Gallium - FedEx overnight.
 

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